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General Guidelines

Safety never takes a day off at Alliant Powder—and neither should you. Please take the following guidelines seriously, whether you’re a beginning reloader or an experienced veteran.

Top-level safety notes
NEVER substitute smokeless powder for black powder or for black powder substitutes.
NEVER mix together any two powders, regardless of type, brand, style or source.
NEVER use the data on this site for any other powders, even if advertised "similar to Bullseye" or "burns the same as Red Dot," etc.

Detailed safety information
To perform in a gun, powders must ignite easily and burn rapidly. These characteristics require use of common sense to avoid accidents.

YOU MUST OBSERVE THESE PRECAUTIONS:

DO NOT smoke when reloading.

DO NOT use spark-producing tools.

DO NOT mix powders of different kinds.

DO NOT leave powder where children can get it.

DO NOT try to load when distracted.

Avoid an open fire or working near spark-producing machinery.

Pour out only the amount of powder needed for immediate work.

Check the powder measure each time it is used. Make sure the settings have not been accidentally changed. Check-weigh "thrown charges" frequently.

Clean up any spilled powders. Use a brush and dustpan; do not use a vacuum cleaner. Dispose of spilled powder as described in the SAAMI pages of this Guide.

Store powder only in its original container, which was carefully designed for this usage. DO NOT REPACKAGE. Do not purchase or accept any Alliant powder not in its original, FACTORY-SEALED container.

Be sure the powder container is completely empty before discarding. Do not use the container to store other powders or materials, or for any other purpose.

Always keep in mind that smokeless powder is an explosive material and highly flammable. It should always be stored and handled in such a way as to avoid impact, friction, heat, sparks, or flame.

THEREFORE, THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS MUST BE OBSERVED WHEN HANDLING POWDERS:

Do not take internally. In case of ingestion, cause vomiting. Call a physician.

Avoid contamination of food, beverages, or smoking materials.

Avoid breathing dust. Ensure adequate ventilation during handling.

Wash thoroughly after handling and before eating, drinking, or smoking.

Do not carry powder in clothing.

You must also always remember:

Establish a routine for reloading. It will result in more uniform loads and less chance of error.

Some primers are more powerful than others (they produce more gas at a higher temperature). Use only the primers specified herein.

Shotshell wads differ in their sealing ability. Use only the load combinations specified herein.

If you use cast bullets, their diameter, hardness, lubrication, and crimp will affect the ballistics.

With the exception of data in the "Non-Toxic Shotshell" reloading data section, the shotshell loads in this booklet are for use with LEAD SHOT ONLY!

Use only the brands of powder and components shown in our tables. Do not substitute other types.

Discharging firearms in poorly ventilated areas, cleaning firearms, or handling ammunition may result in exposure to lead, a substance known to cause birth defects, reproductive harm, and other serious physical injury. Have adequate ventilation at all times. Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling and before coming in contact with food, chewing materials, and smoking material.